NHL Trade Rumors: Auston Matthews Trade Linked to 2 Teams

The Toronto Maple Leafs need to figure out if Auston Matthews does want to return.

There's been a lot of conflicting reports coming out of Toronto lately, and thanks to TSN's Chris Johnston, Leafs Nation is spinning wondering if Johnston's report is actually accurate, when he stated that Matthews was pondering his future in Toronto.

Besides Johnston's report, there's been no other indication that Matthews doesn't want to be the captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs. John Chayka was brought on the job, along with Leafs' legend Mats Sundin, and all they've done in their first week is win the NHL Draft Lottery, and a chance to select Gavin McKenna. Matthews' camp confirmed he's very excited about the chance to play alongside McKenna.

And then now, you have The Sheet's Jeff Marek commenting on Matthews' future and linking him to a couple of teams out west.

Jeff Marek: I think that if Auston Matthews does go anywhere, he is going West; I think we've all wondered about Los Angeles, I think Utah might be able to put the best package together - DMase Vingan & Daunic (5/6)

Matthews dealt with a brutal knee injury last season and hasn't been the same goal scorer he once was, these past few seasons. But at the end of the day, when healthy and going, he's the best sniper in the league, and it's not even close.

Matthews to the Kings makes a world of sense, considering he loves the bright lights of Hollywood, he lives not too far away in the offseason, and they desperately need a star center to build around with Anze Kopitar retiring.

For now, Matthews is a Leaf, and hopefully once Chayka meets with him over the weekend, all the dust can be settled, and they'll share the same vision for the Maple Leafs moving forward. If not, a trade request is coming.

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